Crossed legs and a bad back : A personal observation

Most women, you will notice, tend to cross their legs when they sit. They will usually cross their legs at the knee, putting one knee on top of the other. This is quite common to see and you see young girls emulating their mothers when they sit. Well, let me tell you that while you may think it sexy, it may actually be hurting your back!

I’ve found that when I sit and cross my legs as shown in the picture below (ok, not as high as that, but you get the idea!), I tend to end up with a pain in my lower and middle back. Actually, I did not notice the co-relation until recently.

When I cross my legs as shown, I noticed that my back bone and muscles will be compressed and twisted. So, it causes a dull pain after a prolonged period of time. If you tend to sit in this manner, pay some attention too to your back and see if you too feel that pain. Its a dull ache that can get worse the longer you leave it untreated.

So these days, to alleviate the pressure on my back, I tend to sit with my legs together or crossed at the ankles only. This puts less pressure on my back, and still makes me look demure and ladylike (I hope!).

I looked around online but did not really see any complaints of back problems arising from crossing the legs. Apparently, this isn’t a co-relation that is spotted by others or it may be totally unrelated! However, I did find an article or two about etiquette when sitting down, and I read that proper etiquette dictates that a lady’s legs be crossed at the ankle only, not at the knee! So, it would appear that I’m doing something right after all, thanks to my back! 🙂

Note: This is a personal observation and has no medical back-up whatsoever because I’m no doctor.

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Yes it is bad for the back. I once read a article which a chiropractioner(not sure of the spelling) wrote that the worst posture is when one crosses one’s leg over the knee as it puts lots of pressure in your lower back.

Crossing your leg whilst sitting as shown in pic, levers the ball out the socket of you hip joint causing a lengthening of the leg which leads to an unbalanced pelvis and spine causing backache. Hope you find this helpful. Jacqui Chartered Physiotherapist and Dorn Method Spinal Tutor.